baldric
or bal·drick
[bawl-drik]
- a belt, sometimes richly ornamented, worn diagonally from shoulder to hip, supporting a sword, horn, etc.
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Origin of baldric
1250–1300; Middle English bauderik, bawdryk, baudry < Anglo-French baudré, baldré, Old French baldrei, baudré, perhaps < Frankish *baltirad sword belt, equivalent to Latin balte(us) belt + Germanic *-rad provision, equipment (compare Old High German rat); source of final -ik uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for baldric
Historical Examples
He set the example by putting one on like a baldric, Mark doing the same with the other.
The Black TorGeorge Manville Fenn
Their cartridge-pouch and their bayonet are slung to their right side by a baldric.
The Human RaceLouis Figuier
We heard him getting into his boots again and buckling on his baldric.
Helmet of NavarreBertha Runkle
The Chevalier squared his shoulders and shifted his baldric.
The Grey CloakHarold MacGrath
It hung from its own baldric with an axe and a round shield.
A Sea Queen's SailingCharles Whistler
baldric
- a wide silk sash or leather belt worn over the right shoulder to the left hip for carrying a sword, etc
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Word Origin
C13: from Old French baudrei, of Frankish origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for baldric
n.
c.1300, "belt worn over the shoulder," from Old French baldre (Modern French baudrier "shoulder-belt"), which probably is from Latin balteus "belt," said by Varro to be of Etruscan origin. The English word perhaps influenced by Middle High German balderich (which itself is from the Old French).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper